BajaNomad

45 years of military check points

Ron_Perry - 7-12-2023 at 09:53 PM

Since about 1978….approximately 45 trips down and back, I have yet to experience a negative encounter at any checkpoint. Just drove down about 6/15, and headed back about 7/10. Alway travel at least to La Paz, sometimes to Cabo San Lucas. Not sure why of my great luck…after hearing plenty of negative stories…. this trip down seemed to be one of the easiest and friendliest in both directions.

And the roads! Maybe only 20% of the narrow, white
knuckle asphalt left. Plenty of WIDE roadway throughout the entire drive. Comparing the surface from 40 years ago…smooth sailing. Looks to be plenty of new roadwork in the works
Spent my time this trip in La Ventana, at the original campground, fishing/diving/Mt biking. Great time was had by all, Ron

AKgringo - 7-13-2023 at 06:05 AM

Thanks for posting about your trip. I don't have near as many Baja runs under my belt, but I have been visiting off and on since 1986.

With the improvements being made on the highways, I find myself taking more of the secondary roads to get that "Baja feel".

I also have had problem free encounters at the checkpoints over the years. I travel with a large dog, which might be why I get waved through a lot of them.

pacificobob - 7-13-2023 at 09:01 AM

As a group, most folks traveling baja by road, are people who are quite familiar with dogs. Most people in the world are less comfortable around than our demographic. A young dude with sporting camo and guns is very reluctant to reveal his fear of bigass dogs. Imo, it's a big asset to travel and live with them.

RFClark - 7-13-2023 at 09:07 AM

Ron,

You probably aren’t a Gringo with lots of Tats and an attitude either.

surabi - 7-13-2023 at 09:53 AM

I have also never had a bad experience at military checkpoints, in Baja or anywhere else in Mexico. Sure, sometimes they have checked through my vehicle, but they have always been polite, just doing their job.

surfhat - 7-13-2023 at 10:20 AM

Been going to Baja since '73. Attitude at these road checks can take you far, well further. haha

They have their job to do which I always let them know I appreciate them keeping the roads safe, well, safer. haha

During the simpleton idiocy of Nancy's Just Say No years, there was a check point between the Cabo's that was manned by some Federales and led by one short N-zi guy who stole a pair of nice Nikon binoculars. Even going up to La Paz to report him accomplished nada. He obviously had Mexico DF connections.

My behavior was as it had always been. Respectful and grateful for the job they had to do. That one time was a one time only. Knock on wood.

For sure, I have been thoroughly searched occasionally over the last few years, but I watched them like a hawk. Never a problem since back in the 80's in Cabo.

A respectful demeanor pays you back every time, well, almost. haha

Peace love and fish tacos to all Nomads.






Sometimes you get surprised....

AKgringo - 7-13-2023 at 11:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
A young dude with sporting camo and guns is very reluctant to reveal his fear of bigass dogs


Southbound last September, my Trooper got searched at the checkpoint just south of the Mex3 and 5 junction. My dog is intimidating, 90 pounds of muscle and bone with a broad head, but she is not a guard dog.

The two soldiers that were on duty must have been "dog people" because they spent more time playing with her than searching through my stuff!

David K - 7-13-2023 at 01:44 PM

Like others, a life of driving the peninsula that began before the highways were all built. The military checkpoints began in the 90s, I 🤔 think?

Never an issue and always a fun experience until that one incident at San Ignacio in July 2015. No others for us after that, either. We weren't the only ones that outfit harassed, either. Oh well, takes more that that to keep us away!

Viva Baja!

BajaBlanca - 7-13-2023 at 10:07 PM

Having loved there for 16 years with MANY trips up and down, we can say that we never had a bad experience. Many times I would get my amigas and head for San Ignacio for the day, three ladies in the car, never a hassle.

Lengua - 7-14-2023 at 06:39 AM

Speaking of Hwy 1 or 5 , how wide are those lanes. We see BIG class A diesel pushers traveling those roads and some very nice 5th wheel trailers. We’re going to tow our center console.

Can someone share the width of the lanes ?

mtgoat666 - 7-14-2023 at 08:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Lengua  
Speaking of Hwy 1 or 5 , how wide are those lanes. We see BIG class A diesel pushers traveling those roads and some very nice 5th wheel trailers. We’re going to tow our center console.

Can someone share the width of the lanes ?


Lanes are wide enough. The older road sections have narrower shoulders. Drive careful.

Marc - 7-15-2023 at 12:08 PM

Last 44 years no problem. Just take off the aviator glasses and ball cap. Just a few very long waiting in line.

AKgringo - 7-15-2023 at 12:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Marc  
Last 44 years no problem. Just take off the aviator glasses and ball cap. Just a few very long waiting in line.


Good point on removing the shades! I try to remember that when I am approaching a checkpoint or border crossing. Even when I was a "rescuer" on the ski patrol, removing my sunglasses improved communication and reduced stress for the patient.

If you actually do have something to hide you may want to keep them on! :cool:

surfhat - 7-16-2023 at 11:02 AM

Thanks. I concur.

Always take off your sunglasses, along with rolling down the windows without being asked before you pull up to the authorities, and not just the front windows.

Any small amount of respect shown to them can go a long way to not being hassled. Hopefully. haha

mtgoat666 - 7-16-2023 at 11:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surfhat  
Thanks. I concur.

Always take off your sunglasses, along with rolling down the windows without being asked before you pull up to the authorities, and not just the front windows.

Any small amount of respect shown to them can go a long way to not being hassled. Hopefully. haha


I do roll down the window so the can be nosy. I don't see a need to take off dark glasses, they are not checking identities

willardguy - 7-16-2023 at 01:19 PM

those checkpoints get really old when you have to go through em daily, fortunately they did away with the one at bl2000, you know those young soldiers, if you are a senorita you were gonna get pulled over....if you believe removing hat and sunglasses is somehow beneficial by all means do it.

Barry A. - 7-16-2023 at 01:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by surfhat  
Thanks. I concur.

Always take off your sunglasses, along with rolling down the windows without being asked before you pull up to the authorities, and not just the front windows.

Any small amount of respect shown to them can go a long way to not being hassled. Hopefully. haha


I do roll down the window so they can be nosy. I don't see a need to take off dark glasses, they are not checking identities


As a long-time Field Law Enforcement Officer, I found that eyeball to eyeball always worked better than keeping your dark glasses on---- on both sides of the International Border, as a "checker" or a "checkee".

In all my travels throughout Baja since about 1955 I do not remember ever having a problem with "check points" or the guys running them, but I was always obviously close to the action and watchful of what the "checkers" were doing. That seemed to work for me, and I never knowingly had anything stolen.





mtgoat666 - 7-16-2023 at 01:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by surfhat  
Thanks. I concur.

Always take off your sunglasses, along with rolling down the windows without being asked before you pull up to the authorities, and not just the front windows.

Any small amount of respect shown to them can go a long way to not being hassled. Hopefully. haha


I do roll down the window so they can be nosy. I don't see a need to take off dark glasses, they are not checking identities


As a long-time Field Law Enforcement Officer, I found that eyeball to eyeball always worked better than keeping your dark glasses on---- on both sides of the International Border, as a "checker" or a "checkee".

In all my travels throughout Baja since about 1955 I do not remember ever having a problem with "check points" or the guys running them, but I was always obviously close to the action and watchful of what the "checkers" were doing. That seemed to work for me, and I never knowingly had anything stolen.


Checkpoints in mexico are what they are. Checkpoints in the usa rankle my civil rights. In usa i dont open window unless asked/demanded, not good to voluntarily consent to inspection or you risk losing all rights—you give a cop an inch, they will try to take a mile!

Barry A. - 7-16-2023 at 03:05 PM

Goat---------Your attitude as presented here is exactly what provokes LE personnel to be more aggressive in their pursuit of their responsibility. It's human nature in action. Good luck with that.

SFandH - 7-16-2023 at 03:34 PM

Speaking of checkpoints, a friend of mine mentioned that he was stopped last week at the new CBP booths southbound into Mexico at the San Ysidro crossing. The CBP inspector asked where he was going in Mexico, why he was going there, how much money he had with him, and if he was carrying any weapons. I don't know how often the booths are manned, but they really slow down southbound traffic into Mexico.

mtgoat666 - 7-16-2023 at 03:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Goat---------Your attitude as presented here is exactly what provokes LE personnel to be more aggressive in their pursuit of their responsibility. It's human nature in action. Good luck with that.


LE must be resisted. LE that is not checked will turn fascist. LE views the constitution as a problem, they continually attack civil rights, trying to grind down american freedom.

Barry A. - 7-16-2023 at 05:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Goat---------Your attitude as presented here is exactly what provokes LE personnel to be more aggressive in their pursuit of their responsibility. It's human nature in action. Good luck with that.


LE must be resisted. LE that is not checked will turn fascist. LE views the constitution as a problem, they continually attack civil rights, trying to grind down american freedom.


Goat----That is so wrong I don't know where to start------ You appear to be judging LE by the actions of a tiny few rouges, and as we have seen in the USA the Courts and fellow Officers take serious action against Cops that violate civil rights intentionally in my experience. I find it sad that you feel the way you do about Law Enforcement, and can't really believe you are sincere in your position. What's your alternative to enforcing the law???

surabi - 7-16-2023 at 06:23 PM

I don't think he's talking about enforcing the law. He's talking about hassling people for no reason. And don't pretend that doesn't happen.

mtgoat666 - 7-16-2023 at 06:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Goat---------Your attitude as presented here is exactly what provokes LE personnel to be more aggressive in their pursuit of their responsibility. It's human nature in action. Good luck with that.


LE must be resisted. LE that is not checked will turn fascist. LE views the constitution as a problem, they continually attack civil rights, trying to grind down american freedom.


Goat----That is so wrong I don't know where to start------ You appear to be judging LE by the actions of a tiny few rouges, and as we have seen in the USA the Courts and fellow Officers take serious action against Cops that violate civil rights intentionally in my experience. I find it sad that you feel the way you do about Law Enforcement, and can't really believe you are sincere in your position. What's your alternative to enforcing the law???



Seen more bad cops than good, among my interactions with cops. That’s my experience over a number of decades. Cops efforts to cleanup their act and spin some PR over past few years does not erase distrust built up over decades…

Don Pisto - 7-16-2023 at 06:48 PM

"a tiny few rouges" now that's something I would expect to hear from ex LE......:rolleyes:

Barry A. - 7-16-2023 at 06:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
I don't think he's talking about enforcing the law. He's talking about hassling people for no reason. And don't pretend that doesn't happen.


Surabi----I am not "pretending" anything. LE personnel are people, and they make mistakes, mostly due to emotional perceived reactions to resistance from the bad-folks as well as the innocent that make the mistake of resisting to apparently make a point, or are just ornery. It's a dangerous game for all involved. As for hassling folks-----what is interpreted as "hassling" is most often doing what we are taught to do based on past experiences and what we perceive with our eyes, coupled with split-second decisions.

Barry A. - 7-16-2023 at 07:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Goat---------Your attitude as presented here is exactly what provokes LE personnel to be more aggressive in their pursuit of their responsibility. It's human nature in action. Good luck with that.


LE must be resisted. LE that is not checked will turn fascist. LE views the constitution as a problem, they continually attack civil rights, trying to grind down american freedom.




Goat----That is so wrong I don't know where to start------ You appear to be judging LE by the actions of a tiny few rouges, and as we have seen in the USA the Courts and fellow Officers take serious action against Cops that violate civil rights intentionally in my experience. I find it sad that you feel the way you do about Law Enforcement, and can't really believe you are sincere in your position. What's your alternative to enforcing the law???



Seen more bad cops than good, among my interactions with cops. That’s my experience over a number of decades. Cops efforts to cleanup their act and spin some PR over past few years does not erase distrust built up over decades…



I, of course, perceive my experiences with Cops vastly different than you do. Since I have been retired from LE (27 years) I have NEVER had a bad experience with Cops just doing their job, even when I was guilty of a violation. I keep my mouth mostly shut and always civil when stopped by a Cop-------which is just common sense since THEY are obviously in charge. It will come out in Court what the truth is if I have a problem, which I have never had in the few times I have been stopped.




David K - 7-16-2023 at 09:43 PM

Thank you, Barry.
Your views are refreshing and we all should know cops are people too. People who have a darn tough job with little thanks but lots of hate. It's a wonder there are still people who want that job.

When you're violated, who do you call, other than cops?

mtgoat666 - 7-16-2023 at 10:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Thank you, Barry.
Your views are refreshing and we all should know cops are people too. People who have a darn tough job with little thanks but lots of hate. It's a wonder there are still people who want that job.

When you're violated, who do you call, other than cops?


And who do you call when cops are the violators?

Lee - 7-16-2023 at 10:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto  
"a tiny few rouges" now that's something I would expect to hear from ex LE......:rolleyes:


California deputy sheriff. Number agencies I know say 5% of every department is bad. I think it’s higher. Thought I went to work to put away scum of the earth. It was not rewarding.

Yeah cops are just people, Barry, who carry guns and a badge.

Captain of my Watch had an arsenal in the trunk of his Caddie. Nickname was Wild Bill.

Qualified immunity. Turd in the punch bowl.

Barry A. - 7-17-2023 at 03:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Thank you, Barry.
Your views are refreshing and we all should know cops are people too. People who have a darn tough job with little thanks but lots of hate. It's a wonder there are still people who want that job.

When you're violated, who do you call, other than cops?


And who do you call when cops are the violators?



I would suggest the local DA's office if a serious violation of "your rights" has occurred. Or, consult with a private Attorney if so inclined. Personally, we always taught our kids to "NEVER argue with a Cop or a Fireman"------which almost always results in a mitigation of problems for everybody.

Barry A. - 7-17-2023 at 03:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
Quote: Originally posted by Don Pisto  
"a tiny few rouges" now that's something I would expect to hear from ex LE......:rolleyes:


California deputy sheriff. Number agencies I know say 5% of every department is bad. I think it’s higher. Thought I went to work to put away scum of the earth. It was not rewarding.

Yeah cops are just people, Barry, who carry guns and a badge.

Captain of my Watch had an arsenal in the trunk of his Caddie. Nickname was Wild Bill.

Qualified immunity. Turd in the punch bowl.


Not my experience------(San Diego Police, Riverside Sheriff's, Federal LE Ranger/Supervisor with Natl. Park Service and Bureau of Land Management and Federal nation-wide LE emergency response Team). Loved every min. of it!

Lee - 7-17-2023 at 05:51 AM

A tiny few rogues. Higher than 5%:

Kern county SD
LA county SD
Alameda SD
OC county

Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio. You voted Trump didn’t you Barry?

Moving on.

Barry A. - 7-17-2023 at 06:52 AM

Thank you for your Service, Lee.

David K - 7-17-2023 at 07:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Thank you, Barry.
Your views are refreshing and we all should know cops are people too. People who have a darn tough job with little thanks but lots of hate. It's a wonder there are still people who want that job.

When you're violated, who do you call, other than cops?


And who do you call when cops are the violators?



Thanks to your warped sense of reality and the people in government who think like you ("defund the police"), crime is rampant in the cities they run. Criminals (repeat criminals) are let free to rob, injure, and kill again. Your party has really trashed the country for our children and grandchildren. Sham, shame, shame.

Ateo - 7-17-2023 at 07:25 AM

Every thread on this site gets ruined............quickly sometimes!

Lee - 7-17-2023 at 10:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Thank you for your Service, Lee.


And thank you, Barry. I know you're one of the good guys.

And you worked with good guys. They're out there.

On subject:

going North on Hgwy 1, last toll before TJ, pulled over by impromptu checkpoint. One guy, another with weapon, tells me inspection. I get out and he immediately asks me where the marijuana is. I said no marijuana. He says, yes, marijuana, and starts going through my car, and kept saying where's the marijuana. I keep repeating no marijuana. This went on until he gave up. 1/2 hour. I shrugged and said, again, no marijuana. He wasn't happy.

I drove away PO'd.

Don Pisto - 7-17-2023 at 10:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Thank you for your Service, Lee.


And thank you, Barry. I know you're one of the good guys.

And you worked with good guys. They're out there.

On subject:

going North on Hgwy 1, last toll before TJ, pulled over by impromptu checkpoint. One guy, another with weapon, tells me inspection. I get out and he immediately asks me where the marijuana is. I said no marijuana. He says, yes, marijuana, and starts going through my car, and kept saying where's the marijuana. I keep repeating no marijuana. This went on until he gave up. 1/2 hour. I shrugged and said, again, no marijuana. He wasn't happy.

I drove away PO'd.


don't doubt it but I guess you could have been lucky that baggie didn't magically appear under the seat.....

mtgoat666 - 7-17-2023 at 12:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Thank you, Barry.
Your views are refreshing and we all should know cops are people too. People who have a darn tough job with little thanks but lots of hate. It's a wonder there are still people who want that job.

When you're violated, who do you call, other than cops?


And who do you call when cops are the violators?



Thanks to your warped sense of reality and the people in government who think like you ("defund the police"), crime is rampant in the cities they run. Criminals (repeat criminals) are let free to rob, injure, and kill again. Your party has really trashed the country for our children and grandchildren. Sham, shame, shame.


Your white, suburbanite experience with cops is different than some other’s experiences!
Have you watched a cop gratuitously crack someones head open?

surabi - 7-17-2023 at 01:23 PM

Once had a Canadian border guard rip my van apart for 2 hours when returning from Mexico. Even made me dismantle the built-in bamboo shelving and foldable bed.
The crime for which I came to his attention? I was 27 years old and looked like a hippie. That I was a mom, travelling with my 1 year old and 6 year old made no difference.

Not only wasn't I a dope smoker, nor any other type of druggie, if I was, I certainly wouldn't have been stupid enough to cross a border with marijuana or any other contraband. Not only did he rip my van apart, he was rude and nasty to me the whole time, as if I had committed some crime and was challenging him or being mouthy, even though I had submitted peacefully to his unwarranted targetting.

David K - 7-17-2023 at 01:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.  
Thank you for your Service, Lee.


And thank you, Barry. I know you're one of the good guys.

And you worked with good guys. They're out there.

On subject:

going North on Hgwy 1, last toll before TJ, pulled over by impromptu checkpoint. One guy, another with weapon, tells me inspection. I get out and he immediately asks me where the marijuana is. I said no marijuana. He says, yes, marijuana, and starts going through my car, and kept saying where's the marijuana. I keep repeating no marijuana. This went on until he gave up. 1/2 hour. I shrugged and said, again, no marijuana. He wasn't happy.

I drove away PO'd.


Sounds like our 2015 San Ignacio checkpoint experience!

pacificobob - 7-17-2023 at 09:51 PM

The list of healthy motivations to seek a career in law enforcement is a short one.

surabi - 7-17-2023 at 11:36 PM

Quite true. I've nothing against law enforcement, it's obviously necessary. But there needs to be much more serious and comprehensive vetting of those who want to be cops, because while some LE have joined for all the right reasons, a job where you get to strut around in a uniform with a gun, throwing your authority around, also inevitably attracts bullies, as well as those were bullied and want to take revenge on the world for that.

And they need better training.

Once, driving down the highway in Canada, my boyfriend and I passed an accident that had just happened- the driver had somehow driven off the side of the road, been thrown from his car, which was smoking from the engine compartment, and the guy was lying there on the side of the road. My boyfriend told me to stop- he had an industrial first aid ticket. We were the first people on the scene, he ran over to the guy, who was barely conscious and bleeding, whipped off his tee shirt and put it under the guy's head, and talked to him, trying to keep him conscious, while taking his vitals and trying to determine where the bleeding was coming from.

By then other cars had stopped, someone had called 911 and soon a crowd had gathered. A police car arrived and the first thing the female cop did was go over to where my boyfriend was attending to the accident victim, and told him to step away. My boyfriend gave his full name, said he had an industrial first aid ticket, that the card was in his wallet if she wanted to see it. She said, "I don't care who you are, get away from him." My boyfriend told her he wasn't legally allowed to leave the guy until the ambulance arrived and he conveyed to them what he had done so far, and that she should be clearing the crowd before the smoking car blew up instead of hassling a first aid attendant.

She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away, the guys head he had been cradling fell to the pavement and the cop turned her attention elsewhere. My boyfriend immediately went back to attending the guy until the ambulance arrived a couple minutes later.

When we got home, my boyfriend called his first aid instructor telling him what had gone down, the instructor called the police to report this cop's behavior and she apparently got raked over the coals for it.



[Edited on 7-18-2023 by surabi]

[Edited on 7-18-2023 by surabi]

[Edited on 7-18-2023 by surabi]

mtgoat666 - 7-18-2023 at 06:11 AM

Everyday the news has another story about usa cops trampling civil rights or otherwise displaying disdain for people they are supposed to serve. LE seems to attract bad people, and make them badder.